Measurement of Body Composition in Burned Children: Is there a Gold Standard?

This prospective study of 279 pediatric patients with burns covering 40% of total body surface area compared 2 measurement methods for body composition: whole body potassium counting (K count); and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The authors concluded that DEXA scans be used (with a correction factor, as needed) because they are less stressful for the patient, in addition to being more affordable than K counts.